Manufacturing simulation

Manufacturing simulation, based on digital manufacturing software, is used to design and validate manufacturing methods and procedures in the digital world.

What is manufacturing simulation?

Manufacturing simulation reduces the time and costs that physical testing of a manufacturing system would incur.

Use simulation software to predict the performance of a planned manufacturing system and to compare solutions for any problems discovered in the system's design. This makes manufacturing simulation a significantly competitive capability — allowing manufacturers to test various scenarios before buying tooling, reserving capacity or coordinating other expensive production resources. By using simulation software to determine exactly what is needed, the manufacturer can avoid problems during production while reducing scrap and rework.

In addition to validating all-new means of production early in the product lifecycle, you can apply manufacturing simulation to existing facilities or processes to identify inefficiencies or analyze the impact of introducing new equipment, materials or other changes.

Photorealistic image rendering of a virtual automobile body assembly line created using Siemens and NVIDIA software technology.

Understand the benefits

Use manufacturing simulations to cut time and costs.

Throughput and capacity planning

Using digital models, manufacturers can accurately predict production performance under various scenarios, allowing them to optimize resource allocation and streamline processes for maximum efficiency.

Production logistics and material flow

Modeling the movement of materials and resources throughout the production process helps manufacturers identify bottlenecks, streamline workflows, and optimize inventory for improved efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Facility layout and resource allocation

Testing different layout configurations and resource allocations helps manufacturers optimize space utilization, minimize material handling and enhance resource efficiency for more effective operations.

Part manufacturing processes

Simulating additive and subtractive part manufacturing processes, including machine tools and automation equipment, helps manufacturers evaluate performance, optimize programming and maximize machine uptime.

Robotics and automation processes

Simulating the integration of robotics and automation equipment into production processes helps manufacturers evaluate capability, maximize flexibility, optimize programming and speed up deployment.

Dimensional and build quality

Using simulation to test and refine production processes helps manufacturers identify potential quality issues, optimize parameters and ensure that products meet stringent quality standards before physical production.

Manufacturing simulation applications

In addition to validating all-new means of production early in the product lifecycle, manufacturing simulation can also be applied to existing facilities or processes to identify inefficiencies or to analyze the impact of introducing new equipment, materials or other changes. Some common aspects of manufacturing that simulations can help with include:

Design and balancing of assembly lines – including automated and manual operations
Throughput optimization and capacity planning
Production logistics and material flow – including transportation management and facility relocations or additions
Management of inventory levels, replenishment rates, batch sizes and production planning
Facility layout, equipment placement and resource allocation
Programming machine tools and other part manufacturing equipment
Programming robotics and automation equipment
Validating and improving dimensional quality during planning and build quality during production